[RESOLVED] Video input confusion

[MPTech]

I built a Video Arcade cabinet a number of years ago and recently upgraded the video card and monitor.
The video card has outputs: SVGA, HDMI, and DVI. The monitor is a 28" TV/Monitor with Component Input, SVGA, and HDMI. I originally hooked it up with SVGA because I had a cord available. Worked great. I've always heard that HDMI is better, so I picked up a new HDMI cord (didn't have a spare).
Plugged it in and changed the TV/Monitor input settings. Video works, but I lost sound(?)
Didn't make any sense to me, so I plugged the SVGA back in and it works fine and sound.
Unplugged the SVGA again and plugged the HDMI back in, no sound.
Unplugged the HDMI, so nothing plugged into the monitor and I have sound again.
The HDMI is definitely cutting off the sound.

Am I missing something obvious?? Just recurred to me, could the sound be routing to the TV speakers? (I had the TV speakers turned completely down. If so, how do I revert it back to my PC Speakers (tV setting??))

[fink]

could the sound be routing to the TV speakers?

Yes. HDMI interface carries sound as well so the PC speakers are bypassed. What I've done in a similar setup is plugged the PC speakers into the headphone output of the TV. You could also use the RCA L/R audio out of the TV the same way if it has them (and mute the TV's speakers).

[MPTech]

Thanks Fink!
That makes much more sense now. (yeah, didn't think about the TV sound being turned down until I was away from the unit and typing the question). I'll give that a try tonight.
Is the HDMI truely and advantage over the SVGA?

[Midknyte]

Is the HDMI truely and advantage over the SVGA?

YES.

http://www.cnet.com/news/hdmi-vs-dis...ion-to-choose/

[Derp]

Some GPU's don't have onboard audio for HDMI. As far as I know all of the ATI-AMD based GPU's from the HD5xxx series and up have onboard audio via HDMI.

[MPTech]

Thanks Again! The links were very informative and I checked the Online Owners manual for the TV and it has a headset output, so I'll give this a try this evening.

[fink]

I've found that even modestly priced computer speakers are better sounding than most speakers built in to flat screen TV's. Even fairly high end ones in many cases. Mine have a subwoofer too which makes a huge difference.

Of course you could also go the whole nine yards and hook up a real home theater sound system but I've forgone that option because I don't want to disturb my neighbors.

[MPTech]

Hey guys, THANKS!
that was the issue. I plugged the PC speakers into the headphone plug on the TV and it sounds great.

simple!